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The Prophet Ibrahim ʿalayhi s-salām (AS) was instructed to sacrifice his beloved son Ismail AS to Allah in a dream. Imagine the anguish and struggle he must have felt. Yet, with unwavering faith, Ibrahim AS shared the dream with Ismail AS, and both father and son agreed to submit to Allah's will. As Ismail AS lay prostrate, his forehead touching the ground, Ibrahim raised the sharp knife to fulfill the divine command.

At that moment, Allah's voice called out: “O Ibrahim! You have done my bidding and now you will be rewarded!” A large ram appeared as an alternative sacrifice, and instead of his son, Ibrahim slaughtered the ram to the glory of God.

This profound story is a testament to ultimate submission to Allah’s will and absolute trust (tawakkul) in His plan. The Quran narrates this incident in Surah As-Saffat (37:102-107):

"So when they had both submitted their wills (to Allah), and he had laid him prostrate on his forehead (for sacrifice), We called out to him, 'O Abraham! You have already fulfilled the vision!' - thus indeed do We reward those who do right. For this was a clear trial. And We ransomed him with a momentous sacrifice. And We left (this blessing) for him among generations (to come) in later times."

Ibrahim's AS faith and willingness to sacrifice his beloved son for Allah's sake exemplify the essence of tawakkul—placing trust in God's wisdom and mercy. Despite the immense emotional and physical hardship, their submission brought about a miraculous intervention, underscoring that Allah's plans are always for the best, even when we cannot comprehend them.

This story encourages us to maintain hope and reliance on Allah, trusting that He knows what is best for us. Just as Allah provided for Ibrahim AS and Ismail AS in their moment of ultimate sacrifice, He will provide for us in our times of need. The trials we face are opportunities to strengthen our faith and reliance on Him, with the assurance that Allah's wisdom and mercy will prevail.

As the Quran reminds us in Surah At-Talaq (65:3):

"And He will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent."

Through Ibrahim's AS story, we learn that true success lies in trusting Allah's plan, even when it involves sacrifice and tests. Our hope and reliance on Allah should be steadfast, for His wisdom encompasses all, and His mercy knows no bounds.

Applying Ibrahim's AS Story in Our Daily Lives

1. Complete Trust in Allah:
   Ibrahim AS and Ismail’s AS unwavering trust in Allah’s command teaches us to place our full trust in Allah, even when faced with difficult situations. This means believing that Allah’s plans are always in our best interest, even when we cannot see the immediate benefit. In times of uncertainty, such as facing personal challenges or making important life decisions, we should remember Ibrahim AS 's faith and remind ourselves to trust in Allah's wisdom and timing. Reflecting on Surah At-Talaq (65:3) can provide comfort and reassurance: "And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him."

2. Submission to Allah's Will:
   Ibrahim AS and Ismail’s AS readiness to submit to Allah’s will, despite the gravity of the command, highlights the importance of submission in our own lives. This submission is a sign of our faith and love for Allah.

We can practice this in our daily lives by adhering to Allah’s commands and striving to live according to Islamic principles, even when it is challenging. Whether it’s being honest in our dealings, being patient in times of hardship, or fulfilling our daily prayers, these acts of submission strengthen our faith and bring us closer to Allah.

3. Sacrifice for the Sake of Allah:
 The willingness of Ibrahim AS to sacrifice what was most dear to him teaches us about the spirit of sacrifice in Islam. True devotion often involves giving up personal desires and comforts for the greater good and for the sake of Allah.

We can embody this spirit by making sacrifices for the well-being of others, such as helping those in need, donating to charity, or giving our time to support our community. These acts of kindness and sacrifice are highly valued in Islam and bring us immense rewards.

Lessons for Our Qurbanis

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1. Renewing Our Intentions:
 The story of Ibrahim's AS sacrifice reminds us that the act of Qurbani is not just about the physical act of sacrificing an animal, but it is deeply symbolic of our willingness to give up something valuable out of obedience to Allah.
Practice:
When performing Qurbani, it is important to renew our intentions, ensuring that our actions are solely for the pleasure of Allah. Reflecting on Surah Al-Hajj (22:37) helps us understand the essence of Qurbani: "Their meat will not reach Allah, nor will their blood, but what reaches Him is piety from you."

2. Sharing and Compassion:
Just as Ibrahim's AS act of sacrifice was a means of bringing him closer to Allah, our Qurbani should also be a means to foster community spirit and compassion. The meat from the Qurbani is to be shared with family, friends, and those in need, reinforcing the values of generosity and empathy.
Practice:
Ensure that the distribution of the Qurbani meat is done thoughtfully, prioritizing those who are less fortunate. This act of sharing not only fulfills a religious duty but also strengthens community bonds and promotes social justice.

3. Reflecting on the Significance:
During Qurbani, we are reminded of the greater meaning behind our actions. Just as Allah provided a ram in place of Ismail AS, we are reminded that Allah’s mercy is always present and His provisions are beyond our understanding.
Practice:
Take time to reflect on the story of Ibrahim AS and Ismail AS  with family and friends. Discuss the lessons learned and how they can be applied in daily life. This reflection helps reinforce the spiritual significance of Qurbani and enhances its meaning beyond the ritualistic act.

In conclusion, the story of Ibrahim’s AS sacrifice is a profound lesson in faith, trust, and submission. By applying these lessons in our daily lives and during Qurbani, we can strengthen our connection to Allah and embody the true spirit of Islam. Let us strive to live with the same level of tawakkul and devotion as Ibrahim AS and Ismail AS, trusting in Allah’s plan and seeking His pleasure in all that we do.